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(Last edited March 3, 2008)

Palm Discovery.net would like to extend a BIG THANKS to Richard and Luis of Prima Cases for providing the product for this review.

Although not as important on the Treo 750 or 755p devices as it is for the Treo 680, having a silicon skin case can be very useful. Those who own the Treo 680 or any of the other older Treos can easily tell you that the device casing, although very nice looking, tends to be very slippery and may cause you to accidentally drop it. This is where having a silicon case can prove to be a worthwhile investment.

A silicon case, such as Prima Cases Dust Free Jet Black Protective Silicon Skin Case can offer a good balance between scratch and slight bump protection as well as providing you with a much better grip on the device, not to mention its sleek beautiful design that showcases and highlights the Treo without taking up much bulk or weight. Also to add to that, it’s very flexible and be removed for cleaning, sterilization, etc and fitted back quickly and easily.

For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary

Prima Cases Dust Free Jet Black Protective Silicon Skin Case is as the name states, a jet black protective silicon skin case. Like many other silicon skin cases, it fits right over the Treo device like an extra layer of skin. Just like an extra layer of skin, this case will help provide a slight protection against scratches, bumps and slight shocks. The rubbery feel of the case helps provide you with a much better, softer feel and grip on your otherwise slippery Treo smartphone. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, on the newer Treo 750 and 755p which already has a thin layer of silicon coating on its casing, this may not be as much of a factor, but especially on the Treo 680, this case will definitely help provide you with a much better grip on the Treo. Even with the silicon coating on the 750 and 755p, you can’t complain on getting some extra protection with this silicon case.

The silicon case is much more flexible and softer to what few silicon cases I have previously reviewed. Also, unlike other silicon cases, this case is less grippy than others, which can be a plus or a minus, depending on your perspective. For me, I find it a plus because when the silicon case grips too well to your device, it can be a bit difficult to insert and remove the case from your device or vice versa. In a previous review with a silicon skin case, I have mentioned that I did find using talcum powder or baby powder will help to make those cases slide better. Of course, with respect to this particular silicon skin case, that is not a problem.

To fit the Treo inside silicon case, simply insert the bottom end of the Treo through the Treo screen cut out in the case and push it in until you have aligned the case and cut outs to the Treo device. Then, pull the rest of the top of the case over through the front and cover the Treo entirely, again aligning the cut outs with the Treo. Sounds much harder than it is but I’m sure you should not have any problems. The material is very flexible and soft so you shouldn’t worry about tearing it while fitting it on your Treo.

More details (taken from Prima Cases website):

PRIMA PALM TREO 680, 750, 750V DUST FREE JET BLACK SILICONE PROTECTIVE SKIN CASE
Unique Premium silicone designed specifically to shelter your Treo from dust, scratching and shock. Plus, its unique design allows access to all ports without having to remove the skin.

* Black

Click on the thumbnail images for a bigger picture

Product Video

Video at YouTube

Here are my observations:

As mentioned in the video, shortly after I fitted the silicon case on my Treo 750, I noticed smelling a petroleum like odor. At first, I had no idea where it was coming from but eventually figured out that the smell was coming from the silicon case itself. The smell wasn’t overpowering but it was enough for me to notice it, as I had it right under my nose while I was working away at my computer. In hopes of getting rid of the smell, I put it in a bleach solution for a while. It didn’t work. Then, I read somewhere about using a vinegar solution and it seems that it works. The petroleum smell isn’t as strong and hardly as noticeable as it once was. I’m not sure if it’s due to the dipping in the vinegar solution or simply having it out for a while, but the odor is no longer as bothersome as it once was. Actually, I can’t even smell it at all anymore, even when putting it right against my nose.

(Edited March 3, 2008)

Please keep in mind that this is very likely an isolated issue as this does happen and may happen. I was advised by Luis from Prima Cases that none of their stock exhibited this so you can be reassured that it was an isolated issue. I would suggest contacting Prima Cases regarding any issues and I would expect that they will address it promptly as they do pride themselves in customer service.

With most silicon cases, including this one, there is a tendency to attract dust and particles, probably due to the “grippy” composition of the silicon based material. This is unavoidable. I personally have not encountered any silicon based material that can prevent dust or particles from latching on to the material. The best way to get rid of the dust and particles is to wash it off. Either you can use a somewhat wet cloth and wipe it away or remove the skin case and wash it. This is where adding a thin coating or dusting of talcum or baby powder may help make the case less grippy and prevent dust and particles from collecting on it.

This particular skin case is very flexible and soft and less grippy than others I’ve previously reviewed. This means that it’s much easier to insert and remove the skin from your Treo than with others. But don’t think that being more flexible and softer will mean that it’s more likely to tear than others. I think it is just as strong and maybe even less likely to tear than others due to its flexible nature.

Keep in mind that since this is a soft silicon skin case, it will provide limited protection in terms of shocks and bumps. Don’t expect it to provide much protection should you accidentally drop your device, nor against crushing or other protection you’d normally expect from hard cases. The screen is exposed as are the keys so consider this case as a mild protective case for the main Treo casing. This type of case would be suited for those people who carry their Treos in a special pocket or an additional case who doesn’t need to clip it to their belt (as this does not offer a belt clip) and those who want to get a better grip on their Treos without having all the extra bulk most other cases bring with it.

I like this case because it offers full access to the Treo device with all the necessary cut outs and yet it’s lightweight and add very little bulk to the overall Treo device. The soft, rubbery material helps protect the Treo from scratches and slight bumps and shocks while help you keep a much better grip on the device. Being a silicon skin case, it can easily be removed for cleaning, sterilizing, etc and will look as good as new. How many cases can allow you to clean and sterilize it and still have it look as good as it did the day you bought it?

Review Summary

Prima Cases Dust Free Jet Black Protective Skin Case is a quality silicion skin case that offers a nice way to showcase your Treo while also protecting it from scratches and slight bumps all the while providing you with a much better handle on your Treo smartphone, all without adding much bulk or weight to your Treo. Especially for those who own the Treo 680, think of this case as a way to change the color or look of your Treo without requiring to swap out the casing.

The soft, flexible material makes it so easy to remove for cleaning or sterilizing should it become dirty. Those who desire a case that is doesn’t take up much space or bulk should give Prima Cases Dust Free Jet Black Protective Skin Case a look.

Again, I’d like to thank Luis and Richard of Prima Cases for providing the product for this review.

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